Bodybugg Review
- Does This Calorie-Counter Work?

Diet products either work or they don’t. Period. Let’s find out which one Bodybugg is. We took the time to create a comprehensive review, focusing closely on the ingredients, side effects, customer-service quality and scientific studies. We also examined various user comments from all over the internet. At last, we compressed all of the data we collected to give you the facts.

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What is Bodybugg?

The first thing you should know is that the Bodybugg is a wearable fitness device that allows you to track how many calories you have burned throughout the day. Most people wear it on their arm but it can be strapped to other locations based on preference. The device is supposed to connect wirelessly to the internet to store your information and create useful reports.

Bodybugg was distributed by 24 Hour Fitness which was founded in 1979. They are a privately owned fitness corporation and chain of stores. They have more than 400 club in the United States, but read on…

Lack of Support– “I Need Help!”

The first concern we have is the lack of customer service for Bodybugg. The official website has been taken down and many consumers feel like they have been left out in the cold. According to our Research Editor, “The importance of reliable support is paramount with electronic devices. This is especially true if it is a product that people are relying on to improve their lives.”

According to a former fan, “There is no website so it is now totally useless.”

Another complained, “The company went out of business, making the devices useless. Do not buy because you will simply being returning it.”

Others had more positive experiences. One claimed, “It’s a great little gadget, it was a little confusing to set up but I figured it out and it works great.”

Another said, “I got the six-month free subscription to the nutrition website and I have consistently lost two pounds a week. It’s a great resource!”

Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.

Unreliability– “It Stopped Working”

When a consumer takes the time to become familiar with a device they expect to be able to use it for years to come. Unfortunately, this was not the experience many users had with their Bodybugg.

According to one reviewer, “It’s a cool device; however, after owning one I can tell you that the armband straps break very quickly.”

Another said, “I went through two Bodybuggs. One lasted two months and the next one died after only six months. Not worth the money.”

Others had more positive experiences. One customer explained, “It’s fun to count calories and see how exercise effects calories burned. I like it!”

A happy reviewer said, “This tells you exactly how many calroies you have burned, no guessing. It’s just what I wanted.”

According to our research, great customer service and working reliably are two of the most important factors for dieters. If the Bodybugg doesn’t work and consumers have no way to get help they will move on to a similar device that better fits their needs.

The Science – “Burning Calories is Good”

At DietSpotlight, we need scientific proof a product works. In this case, we know that burning more calories than one consumes will lead to weight-loss. The question is in how well the Bodybugg reports these factors. As it turns out, there isn’t evidence that shows electronic measurements are accurate.

The Bottom Line – Does Bodybugg Work?

What’s the real deal with the Bodybugg? It appears that for many people it did work as expected. However, there was a yearly subscription fee to the website which was about $80 over the cost of the device itself. This was necessary to receive maximum benefits. Unfortunately, this is no longer functional so anyone purchasing the device now will likely be unhappy with the results. This is one reason why we have reservations about offering support.

If you are ready to lose weight we suggest trying a proven supplement made with ingredients that are backed by scientific research. The best are made by companies who provide an excellent customer service department to answer any questions or concerns quickly.

Among the best products we’ve seen in 2016 is one called Leptigen. The four key ingredients have been shown in documented clinical research to help enhance fat loss and jump-start metabolism. Our research didn’t lead to any negative consumer reviews but it did turn up many people sharing their positive results.

The makers of Leptigen are so excited about sharing their product that they are offering a Special Trial Offer, which has had a positive response from our readers.

Summer Banks is an ISSA-Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist and has reviewed over 2000 diet products. She has years of nursing training, experience as a manager responsible for 15 supplement brands, and completed coursework on Food and Nutrition from Stanford University. full bio.

How Does Bodybugg Compare?

Previous Bodybugg Review (Updated August 21, 2015):

What You Should Know

Bodybugg is fairly new to the fitness and weight reduction arena. The basic principle behind this product is that you need to burn more calories than you consume. The device is strapped to the user's arm, clipped on the belt, or attached to some other article of clothing. It then monitors the user's calorie burning, as well as the number of calories consumed.

Advantages

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Disadvantages

The cost of this device is rather high at $249.00.

Some users report becoming obsessed with the number-monitoring that Bodybugg requires.

About The Bodybugg

The creator of Bodybugg is Apex, which is also the manufacturer of 24 Hour Fitness. This unique device offers "feedback" to the user. When you purchase the Bodybugg, you get an armband, digital display, one phone session with a coach and a three-month subscription to the web-based program, as well as a custom meal plan with food logging capabilities. The cost of the entire Bodybugg program is $249.00, and a more basic version seems to sell for $199. There is also a CostCo offer that allows members to get the Bodybugg and a 1-year online membership for $179 at the time of this review. There are some user success stories presented for Bodybugg on the official website.

Product Features

The Bodybugg is a contemporary gadget geared toward women and men who are trying to shed excess body weight. The purpose of this tool is to reveal how long the user has exercised, how much food they've consumed that day, if they've reached their daily target, and how many calories have been burned. The Bodybugg has been featured in publications like Women's Health, CNET, News.com, PC World's Digital Duo, Self, and BusinessWeek Online. Although the Bodybugg device does not directly aid in the weight loss process, it is intended to be utilized as one piece of a comprehensive weight loss routine.

Conclusion

The Bodybugg device can be used by individuals trying to drop excess pounds. There are no potential side effects that come with this product. However, the cost of a Bodybugg is rather high at $249.00, and after that you still need to do all of the work to see any results. It is important to remember that this device will not directly result in pounds lost, and is only a monitoring tool.

If you have a MAC, don’t buy Bodybugg. It stops working every time there is a system upgrade and it takes forever for Bodybugg tech support to figure out how to fix it. I’m so frustrated I’m shopping for a new system.

Just Ordered my BodyBuggSp on Friday from 24hr fitness, and wanted to share. I was able to purchase it for $126 between their sale, and the coupon code AFP5024. I thought that this was a good deal. I will let you know how it works when it gets here!

After 2 hours of muddling through the confusing Bodybugg setup (no Set Up Guide was included), I have my iPhone app running & BB on my arm. Within minutes, the App shows that I have burned 755 calories today. Why? Is this just an estimate that it is guessing based on my weight and time of day? Or, does this mean my BB is not working correctly…thinking that I have worked out? Sure would have helped to have a Set Up Guide with instructions & FAQs!!!

In deference to the cost of the Body Bugg, you do have to realize that over the course of a few years of using it and the health of the user (which improves dramatically) cost is relatively low.
I’ve been using the Body Bugg for 5 weeks now and have lost 18 pounds! I have actually seen what I used to eat (too many calories) and have seen my eating habits change because of the Body Bugg. Yes,you have to input your food into the database but the database itself has grown and most of what I eat now is in their database. For me, using the “Bugg” has been an eye opening experience.

The BodyBugg is a great product, when it works. Customer Service is great, if the product works. HOWEVER, if you find that it stops working, so does Customer Service.
Customer Service was great at training me on its use and answering all my questions. I was losing weight and eating healthier with the assistance of the BodyBugg and related software.
Then one day, I found that the BodyBugg no longer works with my computer… my computer could not download the information from the BodyBugg. At first, BodyBugg Customer Service was great… they logged into my computer to make sure that I am not running any of the software that is not compatible with the BodyBugg and ran diagostics, et cetera. They found no conflicts, no problems. When it still wasn’t working, they replace my device. When it was found that even the new device was not responding, they escalated the matter to a higher level of customer service… that meant, ignoring me!
At first they did respond to say that it must be some software that I had downloaded. I advised as to the software downloaded (I had just bought an e-Reader), and was advised that this is not the problem. After that, they no longer respond to my inquiries as to what the problem is and how it will be resolved. I LOVED the BodyBugg while it worked and asked that they try to fix the problem, but also asked that if they could not fix it, then to refund my money… they will do neither.
So, think twice before spending your hard-earned money!!!

I received the new BB SP that is suppose to pair with your phone. I love the BB – works well on my computer – but the phone app sucks! Doesn’t work most of the time. Also – my new BB started falling apart after just 3 weeks. 24 hr replaced it, but now after 1 week it is starting to happen again. The back cracks and falls apart around the sensors. Don’t know whats up with that but 24 hr fitness is standing behind it and working with me on getting one that stays together and works! Can’t recommend it to anyone thought, especially the newer one. The app is a problem.

In my experience it’s true the BodyBugg does not accurately measure caloric burn for biking or elliptical use if you wear it on the arm, I read a tip on another website to wear it on your left calf. I tried that and it’s working out much better

It’s true Harrison, I did 60 minutes workout on an arc trainer and it only recorded 14 min of activity. Tech support said it’s because the BodyBugg needs arm movement to record activity and the arm movement can’t be too smooth or slow. I got around this by wearing it on my calf. I like it but my armband just broke, velcro disc came off) I’m waiting to see how customer service responds

So, if I buy the bodybugg, is there a subscription I also have to purchase in order to use it? Or is this something I can do by myself with my computer? Because this really would make a difference in my decision to purchse. Quite frankly, for 250 bucks, you shouldn’t have to purchase any kind of subscription in order to “use it”. Thank You

I have had the bodybugg for over a year and have subscribed off and on. I just got the digital display thinking I didnt need the subscription but I call and find out it is mandatory. I feel like its their way of sucking the money right out of you. If I can I’m selling mine on ebay and get another product where I’m not forced to pay them forever to use it.

Just got my bb in the mail and am soooo excited. Already been on the phone to their customer service twice. 1st guy was great and helped with finding how to get the sn logged in; 2nd guy told me, when I called to aske why I keep getting the error message “Error 1327.Invalid Drive: K:\”, the problem was with my computer and I needed to call their help line for help. No help whatsoever and I can’t get help for my computer ‘cuz eMachines makes you PAY to ask a question!! Anyone else have this problem and have any idea how to fix it? I just want to load my software and start using it…..before I give up and send it back!

Nothing but fustration, stopped working after 2 weeks.
On the phone with Tech support for a total of 2 hrs trying to repair and reset it via computer to no avail waited 2 weeks to receive rreplacement. Total waiting time on my tries to contact Tech support, 2 hrs. 40 min, asked to speak with a supervisor told he would call back, still waiting. If aggravation burns calories I should be at my goal weight by now. If you purchase this, GOOD LUCK

Why does it have to be on the right arm? I need to move it over because I seem to be allergic to the metal so I need to give this arm a rest. Do you think the left arm is the same? Has anyone tried that?

Fitqueen – a heart rate monitor is NOT the same as the BB. The BB measures much more data that is more reliable for determining calories burned. There is much data online about how it works – it might be a good idea to do your homework before offering an uneducated opinion.

If your are talking about removing the silver plates on the back. Don’t do that. It might break it. The serial number is located on the side of the bugg, with armband removed you can see it. But you might have to use a magnifying glass to read it. I know you posted this 3 weeks ago, hope you already figured it out.

I’ve just ordered a Bodybugg and hope it works for me! I am wondering how long it takes for the memory to fill? Is it worth taking on a camping trip for a week without internet access or should I just plan to leave it home?

I bought the body bug from 24 hour fitness for 179.00, on 4.30.10, I used the coupon code “skinnyscoopbb” and received an additional 15 dollars off for a total of 164.00. I did not get a digital display though.

you have to contact them to get the information changed, which costs $50 i believe, and you also have to buy a new subscription plan. If you can use your friends password and past logs, just change your info and you should be good. What is the uploading issue?

I emailed Bodybugg about my gliches with 10.6.2 and they asked me to call them. When I did they changed a setting in Safari (Safari>Safari Info>check the box foe”Open in 32-bit mode”). Every thing works great now. If I need to go back to 64-bit I can uncheck the box.
Also they said to plug the unit into the usb when prompted, not before.

The customer service and tech support for bodybugg is almost nonexistant. The problem is that eventually 90% of the users will have problems with either the site or the device. Without a viable cs or tech support option, the device becomes useless. I have been trying to get in touch with them for 4 weeks because my unit will no longer upload and the program is not functioning properly. My unit is less than 6 months old. I have received absolutely no response. I am hearing from many people saying they have the same problem with cs and tech support. I am hoping they see this and fix it because I LOVE my bodybugg!

I bought two bodybuggs. Neither are working properly. One wont upload data to the website. The other one wont sync with the armband. I loved the bodybugg at first but now I am really frustrated and wondering whether the bodybugg is worth the hassle and the subscription fees.

Bought my Bodybugg a few days ago at 24HR wishI could have gotten the Costco deal. The software works with Mac OS X 10.6.2, but is a little glichy. I have had to reinstall the BB software a few times and I get a Mac error at the install finish. I emailed BB, but no reply. I’ll check with the Genius Bar. The scroll down lists on the food log are uncooperative and only work for me with the 2finger touchpad move(the sidebar gelly button ands arrows are inoperable.
This may sound like I an dissatisfied, but I would say I’m disappointed in the software and I like the system alot.

I got the Body Bbugg for me and my husband for Christmas. We started using it on New Years Day. I am amazed by how many calories I burn walking the dogs, grocery shopping and getting my kids off to school. I am also able to accurately assess the effectiveness of my exercise program. Entering the nutritional information is easy too. I can even put in all the ingredients in one of my recipes, tell the program what a serving size is and it will report the nutritional information per serving. Amazing. We now know the ultimate weight loss formula… Calories In/Calories Out. We are both loosing weight and feel great. AND we know the expense of a few crackers for a snack and think twice before eating. Maybe that is the best gift! I got mine for less that $200 at Costco.com and it came with one year support on the website!

Costcos has the Body Media on the web site and you can go to Body Media web site. Its like the same thing as the body bug. I got my costco.com I LOVE IT it works great. It even shows you how you sleep. Its great.

I hate my bodybugg. It’s been nothing but one headache after another. I bought my bodybugg 01/25/2010. I asked 24 hr fitness if it was compatible with Mac. When I tried to install my bodybugg at home I found out that I needed a Mac OS 10.5 with an intel pentium processor and I have a Mac OS 10.4 powerpc.

I really wanted to get the most out of the training sessions that I purchased so I got the digital display to constantly see the calories that I am burning through out the day. I thought I could load the bodybugg data at the gym. For some reason my bodybugg info can’t be loaded at the gym in Arvada Colorado (where I meet my trainer) but it can be loaded 30 minutes away at the Denver gym (weird). I just loaded my bodybugg info for the first time tonight. The digital display monitor says that I burned 2200 calories and the web site says 900. The technical support guy said that the web site has algorithms to process the raw data and the digital display device does not. That mean the digital display device shows the raw data from the bodybugg and how much I burn while watching TV. The web site does not count calories burned during inactivity as a result the tech guy said that the web site is more accurate. It’s been about 3 weeks and I have been logging my food, meeting with a trainer and I have not lost any weight. I guess my wallet has lost considerable weight but I plan on remedying that my getting my money back for everything!!!

I agree that the body bugg is a complete waste of money and time. I am so irritated with the company. I bought the body bugg at 24 hour fitness on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood, I went home tried to register it and it said my serial no was already in use. I contacted the tech support for the company and they were totally useless and said that I would need to go back to 24 hour fitness and get a new one, they must have given me one who someone returned after they had registered it. I went in to 24 hour fitness and they said they couldnt do that because the manager needs to do it and I need to come back in. UGHHHHHHH. What a frickin waste of time. I just wish I never would have bought it, so frustrating, waste of time and money. I would advise to use any other company. one that actually cares about customer satisfaction.

Suzanne,
I purchased my Body Bugg 9 weeks ago and just LOVE it! I don’t consider it a hassle at all and consider it a learning tool also. I’ve already lost 24 pounds! I don’t think that you should listen to the negative comments and go in with an open mind. You’re your best judge!

Concur, I’ve had a MAC since 2008 and a Bugg since 2009. My sole issue (which was more a matter of convenience) was that the online application wasn’t compatible with Firefox. Not a big deal, I fire up Safari whenever I use the program. I’ve never had a difference between my digital display and the computer reports. We all have our opinions based on personal experiences, in mine, the BodyBugg with MAC is effective and has been crucial to my losing weight and maintaining the lifestyle needed to keep it off.

I had my bodybugg and display watch for 1 year and 2 months. The display watch stopped working today so guess what I am out of luck no more warranty. I called tech support to find out if anyone can fix it. They told me to go to a watch shop to get it fixed, so I tried and they said no we can’t fix it it is a different set up. I called back bodybugg tech they said we cant help you, no one knows how to fix it. Bodybugg tech said you will just have to buy a new one, of course!!! Totally ridiculous and disappointed.

I purchased the body bugg for $199 (6 mnths online free) on the main website. I have always kept track (on my own) of calories in and out. However, now I can see what areas I burn the most calories and concentrate on those areas. Plus, I’m encouraged & motivated to go out for an “additional” evening brisk walk if I see that I only need a couple hundred calories left to burn to meet my deficite quota for the day. I’ve lost 7 pounds this week (was shooting for 2 1/2) because of this product. It was my hard work but I was absolutely kept accountable as I logged in each evening and reviewed my calories in and calories out. I STRONGLY recommend this if you are willing to commit to loging in each evening. It is highly effective!

Have you found that your bodybugg is accurate? I mean that your deficit matches your weight loss?? Last week, according to my bodybugg I should’ve lost 3 lbs but I lost 2 lbs. I know that’s not a huge difference but it was still a little disappointing, you know? Thanks for taking the time to answer! 🙂

If you already have a bodybugg and want it waterproofed for FREE my friend’s company can do it for you! just google h2ofriendly, check out the website, and send them an email. You can send it in to be waterproofed and if you have any trouble with it, they will replace it for free too! They’re working on making it better and need people to try it out.